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Brexit Bulletin, 18 January 2019

Jan 17, 2019

Theresa May’s failure to win approval for the terms of the withdrawal agreement by a 230-vote margin is the worst government defeat in UK history. With 70 days to go before the UK is scheduled to leave the EU the great uncertainty of Brexit continues for people and business alike. A vote on the “Plan B” will take place in the UK Parliament on 29 January.

Confidence without supply

The defeat of the withdrawal bill led to a no-confidence vote on Wednesday night – a vote the embattled leader survived with 118 conservative MPs who voted against the withdrawal bill backing the Prime Minister. Now Theresa May has appealed to opposition leaders to meet with her for talks before she has to present an alternative proposal to parliament on Monday.

Speaking in a televised address following the vote, the UK Prime Minister tried to reassure the country that she is in charge of the Brexit process and said: "Now MPs have made clear what they don't want, we must all work constructively together to set out what parliament does want."

The Guardian has published a breakdown on how MP’s voted in the no confidence motion.

The Brexit “Plan B” will be voted on by the UK Parliament on 29 January 2019.

Brexit bites

This week we round up some of the reaction to the goings on in the UK Parliament over the past few days.

What’s the solution? “If a deal is impossible, and no one wants (a) no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?” The words of European Commission President Donald Tusk following the UK vote on the Withdrawal Bill.

Profound regret – Chief EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said the EU “profoundly regrets” the Commons vote on the Withdrawal Bill and said a no deal Brexit is increasingly likely.

Time is almost up - President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker urges the UK to clarify its intentions as soon as possible.

Bills, bills and more bills - The Irish government meanwhile announced plans to publish its Brexit omnibus bill on 29 February which covers 17 areas that will need legislation in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Border checks – During Leader’s questions this week, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that Ireland is implementing no deal plans and that means possible checks at ports and airports in Dublin and Rosslare. The Taoiseach said that checks are not being planned along the land border on the island of Ireland or at sea.

Revenue regional Brexit seminars

Revenue will host the following seminars in January to help address the potential customs implications of Brexit and how these challenges can be addressed. Book by clicking the links below.

More seminars will be added subject to demand and the Brexit dedicated page on the Revenue website will be updated with further information as it becomes available.

Update from HMRC

HMRC are reminding traders about actions they can take to prepare in the event of a no deal Brexit. One recommendation is to apply for an EORI number to be able to continue to trade with the EU and HMRC say it only takes ten minutes. You can read the update using this link.

Institute’s Brexit guidance

Members are reminded that the Institute has published a series of Back to Brexit Basics which will help you understand Brexit and its possible implications for you and your business. The free customs guide Taking the Lead: Chartered Accountants and Brexit prepared by the Institute and ICAEW will also help business in the UK and Ireland get a grasp of customs obligations post Brexit.